Madrid, Spain – November 2014
The gym was louder than usual.
Valencia was back.
And this time, they came prepared.
Eli Mercer sat on the bench, lacing his shoes.
Luis leaned over.
"They've been watching your tape."
Eli nodded.
"Good. I've been watching mine too."
First Quarter – Tip-Off
Valencia pressed full court.
Two defenders met Eli at half court.
He split them—barely.
Kicked it to the corner.
Missed three.
Next possession—same trap.
He passed early.
Intercepted.
Fast break dunk.
Timeout.
Coach Ortega pulled him aside.
"They're baiting your pass. You see it?"
Eli nodded.
"Yeah. I see it."
Second Quarter – Adjustment
Eli slowed the pace.
Used more fakes.
Let the trap come, then reversed it.
He stopped looking for the pass.
Started looking for the shot.
Logo range.
Pull-up.
Swish.
Next play—same spot.
Pump fake. Defender bites.
Step left.
Swish.
The crowd leaned in.
Valencia backed up.
Just a little.
Halftime – Locker Room
Eli sat with a towel over his head.
9 points. 4 assists. 3 turnovers.
Luis slapped his knee.
"They're scared now."
Eli looked up.
"Then we press back."
Third Quarter – Control
Eli took over.
He didn't force.
He flowed.
Pick-and-roll—bounce pass to the roller.
Transition—no-look to the corner.
Isolation—stepback three from the logo.
Net.
Valencia's coach called timeout.
Again.
Fourth Quarter – Closing Time
Score tied. 68–68.
One minute left.
Eli walked it up.
Clock ticking.
Trap came.
He split it.
Jump stop.
Kick to Luis—corner three.
Bang.
Next play—Valencia missed.
Rebound.
Eli caught the outlet.
No rush.
He dribbled to the logo.
Looked up.
Shot.
Swish.
Game.
Final Score: 74–68
Eli: 21 points, 8 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers
Valencia: contained, but not enough
Post-Game – Press Room
A reporter raised her hand.
"Eli, they scouted you hard tonight. How'd you adjust?"
Eli leaned into the mic.
"I watched more film than they did."
Laughter. Flashbulbs.
He smiled, then stood.
"Thanks."